Coordinated UK-French Airstrike Hits IS Munitions Store in the Syrian region

RAF Typhoon jets have joined forces with French aircraft in a combined operation targeting an hidden munitions depot in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the British defence ministry.

The facility, identified by surveillance, was assessed as housing weapons and explosive materials, the announcement noted, and was situated in mountains just north of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.

"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to target a number of approach shafts providing entry to the depot... preliminary assessments are that the strike was effective," officials stated.

There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the strike on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned to base without incident, the MoD added.

The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.

The Islamic State group - also known as the so-called Islamic State - enforced jihadist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.

"This action demonstrates British leadership, and resolve to operate in unison with our partners, to stamp out any revival of the terrorist group and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," UK Defence Secretary the minister remarked.

RAF aircraft have carried out patrols over Syria to "deter any attempted resurgence" of Islamic State following its military defeat at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.

"I must thank all the members of British forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "They were among numerous British troops on duty over the holidays. This action, to remove militants who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are ready to step up, continuously, protecting the UK within its borders and influential overseas."

In December, the United States armed forces executed what it called a "major assault" against Daesh sites in the country, after an ambush resulted in the deaths of two US troops and a civilian linguist in Palmyra.

The U.N. estimates Daesh still has roughly 5-7 thousand combatants in Syria and Iraq.